SIA Adds New Features to Central Station Course

The Security Industry Association has added new features to its Central Station Operator/Instructor Training (CST) program.

Starting with the August class in Alexandria, Va., the CST course will include expanded instruction on:

  • ETL certification;
  • How to read formats (with an explanation of the various languages);
  • Alternate signal delivery to include IP and GSM; and other topics.
"As one of the only central station training programs to offer instruction in the classroom, not online, the CST course already provided a substantive learning experience that was enhanced by the invaluable exchange between student and trainer," SIA Director of Education Arminda Valles-Hall said. "These additions make a great product even better."

The CST course is a five-day program that provides information about the entire process of training a central station operator from experienced instructors. It identifies the necessary elements of an in-house training program and teaches techniques for evaluating progress and working with students to improve their performance. Upon completion of the course, the graduate becomes both a SIA-certified operator and a SIA-certified trainer who is authorized to certify his or her own operators.

The next CST courses are:

  • August 17-21 (Alexandria, Va.)
    Hosted by Security Industry Association
  • September 14-18 (Kissimmee, Fla.)
    Hosted by MicroKey Solutions
  • October 5-9 (Hunt Valley, Md.)
    Hosted by AlarmWatch Monitoring Services
The course fee is $550 for SIA members and $650 for non-members.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.